Pope Leo has condemned global leaders who spend billions on warfare, calling attention to the devastation caused by a few 'tyrants.' Speaking during his visit to Cameroon, where insurgency has wreaked havoc, he criticized the manipulation of divine authority for personal gain.
These remarks arrive shortly after a public feud with US President Donald Trump, who criticized the Pope following his comments on US military operations in Iran and threats against civilian safety.
Addressing gatherings in a region marked by conflict, the Pope emphasized the imbalance in resource allocation, lamenting the vast sums devoted to destruction while the necessities for education and restoration remain scarce.
He stated, 'The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild.'
Pope Leo denounced the ongoing cycle of violence, urging leaders to consider the human cost of warfare. His comments highlight a broader concern about resource exploitation and the perpetuation of conflict through military investment.
This visit marks a crucial moment in the Pope's Africa tour, which underscores the growing influence of Catholicism on the continent, home to over a fifth of the global Catholic population.
